Do you know why this is called the passion flower? It represents the Passion of Christ. The 10 petals of the flower represent the 10 apostles who were present at the crucifixion. The Holy Trinity is portrayed by the three secondary calyx leaf bracts. The 72 filaments symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Jesus. The three stigmas represent Christ and the two thieves on the the crosses.

Passion flowers (like Orchids) are a world unto themselves with approximately 500 different species and about as many hybrids. Characterized by a ring of coronal filaments (straight, curvy, spiky, or anything in-between), they appear, to me at least, like flowers from another planet.

Maypops are one of the most cold hardy of all Passionfruit species. This herbaceous vine is vigorous, produces stunning flowers, and has a tropical tasting fruit... yet it can be grown throughout most of the U.S.

Description for Passion Flower Clematis Beautiful 3-4" blooms are distinguished by the central boss of purple stamens that becomes larger as the bloom matures, persisting on the stem long after the white petals have dropped. It blooms for an exceptionally long period, starting on old growth in early summer, then continuing on new growth. Plant roots deep and mulch heavily. Reaches heights of 6-10'. Ships in a 3" pot. Zones 5-9 Clematis florida ‘Sieboldii’

Passiflora caerulea, or passion flower is a real show stopper. To see more climbers, visit our website: http://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/features/plants/10-climbers-to-grow/4805.html Photo by Jason Ingram